Light Up Her Heart ~ Lighting Workshop | Idaho Portrait Photography

A lighting workshop to benefit Jayme Montoya of Lucid Design and Photo

  A dear friend and colleague, Jayme Montoya, has had to undergo two open heart surgeries in the span of two months to help correct a congenital heart defect. In our mission to help alleviate some of the unnecessary burden, Gretchen Nishitani, Craig Lamere and Tiffany Hix have put together this lighting workshop. Our goal is to teach some natural and studio lighting techniques while raising money for our friend. The Light Up Her Heart Lighting Workshop will be held on Saturday, March 3rd from 4-10 pm in Meridian, ID. We are still compiling the list of the lighting styles that will be taught. There will be multiple shooting bays with backdrops provided by Tara Pugmire. Please check back as we will be updating as the curriculum is finalized. Registration for the Light Up Her Heart Lighting Workshop is $100 and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Jayme.  

Registration for this lighting workshop is $100

If you can't attend, please donate. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Jayme.

Art...and business

In November, I attended a workshop with the Professional Photographers of Idaho. The first day we attended educational sessions on business, exposure, lighting, pricing, client connections, posing and print competition. In addition, we had a shootout with models, different lighting set-ups and backdrops sponsored by Silverlake Photo Accessories.

I was so excited to meet some of my area's photographers who I spoken with or emailed, but never met. The workshops were inspiring and tremendously helpful. Photography is a journey and I never want to stop learning this art. During the second full day, we heard from Master photographer JuliAnne Jonker who shared with us some art history and how to apply the influences of classical artists into our own style of photography.

Even though I have a story-telling, relaxed style, and use mainly natural or available light, I still want to know classical lighting techniques, posing principles and techniques for running an efficient and profitable business. It's not only important to me to create beautiful art of the children and families I photograph-art that will only appreciate in value as time goes by-art displayed in wall galleries and heirloom albums, but it's also important for me to remember all the business side of this. I am dedicated to my clients and providing them with an amazing experience, but I also love my family. They are who inspire me a lot in my work.

Therefore in 2012, I will be concentrating mainly on pursuing my "art" and fine-tuning my business to create one that works for me and my family, while also allowing me to provide THE BEST possible customer service to my clients. I know that for me, I don't need a lot of clients, but I do need and want clients who truly value what I offer. I may not be the photographer for everyone, and that's okay too. It's taken me awhile to realize and accept that, but I am going to be better for it. I hope you continue to follow along and see where this journey takes me, and how you can also be a part of it too!


PPI Shootout
And here are some of the images I captured at the PPI Shootout. Different than what I've been doing, but really fun to practice and learn with different portrait lighting set-ups. These models are really great too!

This first image was set-up using Rembrandt lighting-one light source was set up 45 degrees to subject camera right. It's also characterized by the triangle shaped light on the shadow side of the face. You can see this lighting in Rembrandt paintings. This model is actually another professional photographer, and he was fantastic as the subject in this little vignette set-up. Here's a link to learn more about Rembrandt lighting.

The other three images were created using continuous lighting with a really large softbox as the mainlight to the left of the subject and a smaller fill light to the right of the subject. I ended up having to shoot really wide open so there is a little blur on some of the limbs, but it was good to use some different lighting set-ups. Now I just need to practice at home!

I didn't capture a lot of digital images as I took my film camera and practiced more with it. I'm looking forward to getting my prints back to see what I captured. It's been years since I used film, but it's another way I want to challenge myself this year and work on my "art."

Join Clickin Moms Today!

One of the things I've found that is vital to my photography business and my journey as an artist is to take advantage of photography forums and educational opportunities. I have been a member of Clickin Moms for about a year now. It has been a great place to connect with other moms who are at all levels of photography experience from beginner to pro. I encourage anyone, even if you aren't a mom yet, but have a passion for photography, to check it out. There is a weeklong free trial, but I definitely think it's worth the small subscription rate. And right now if you join through my site using the link below and coupon code friend, you receive 20 percent off.

The More the Merrier ~ Midvale Family Photographer

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing an extended family session near Midvale. All the kids and grandkids were home for the holidays and they wanted a beautiful portrait of everyone together. The referral for the session came from Slice of Life Photography, who is the family photographer for one of the families back in Michigan. SILP found me through the "Find a Photographer" link on the PPA website. My membership in Professional Photographers of America is my commitment to my clients that I will run a professional, profitable business and am devoted to continuing education and learning all I can about my craft.

With seven adults and eight little ones ranging from toddler to tween, it was a busy morning. But, I'm used to lots of little ones around as my husband and I both have large families. It's also neat to see all the different personalities when you get everyone together. We had some shy ones, some silly ones and some happy ones. And even a little comedian. He kept us laughing with his knock knock jokes. Thanks Mr. J! You helped keep things light and fun!

Due to the weather being so bitter cold, we decided to keep things inside, but the lighting was beautiful thanks to two huge windows. I love being able to photograph families in their own homes or a place they love as they tend to be more comfortable and relaxed during their session.

I have to give a special shout out to my friend and assistant Jodie! She was the extra two hands I needed to get all the kids around and everyone together. Thanks so much!

And for the C and A families: I hope you made wonderful holiday memories, enjoyed your portrait experience and cherish these special memories we captured of all of you.

It was a pleasure to meet all of you!

 Isn't she darling? And here are her big brothers and sisters.

Two sweet little girls.

 This little guy was shy at first, but he sure warmed up when his momma started being silly.

We had some great little giggles.

If this post receives 10 or more comments, the family will receive

a complimentary 5X7 gift print from me!

Headshot Special ~ Idaho Professional Photographer

Maggie Malson Photography is offering a Headshot Special this fall. Great for kids, teens and professionals!